MURFREESBORO — MTSU’s football team held its first bowl practice Saturday morning as it prepares for the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl Dec. 24.

The Blue Raiders (7-5) practiced briefly inside Floyd Stadium as they juggle both final exams and bowl preparation.

Head coach Rick Stockstill said he wants players focused on their schoolwork next week but wanted to get at least one practice in.

“I told the team before practice that if you’re practicing in December, that means you’ve had a great year,” Stockstill said. “Today was good, and I thought their attitude was wonderful.”

Players will have the week off as they continue taking exams while coaches will be out on the road recruiting. They are scheduled to have their next practice Dec. 12.

Some players like quarterback Brent Stockstill just have one final exam left and will start watching tape on MTSU’s bowl opponent, Western Michigan (7-5).

“I think we had some fun today and got some good work in trying to work ourselves back into shape,” Brent Stockstill said. “I’m pretty much done with school and have one paper left, so all my focus will be on Western Michigan.

“So next week will be a mental week as we get ready for them.”

Senior safety Kevin Byard said he just has one final exam left before he prepares for his last ride with his teammates in the Bahamas.

“(Being done) with the school part, I’m pretty excited about that,” Byard said. “But playing one more game with my teammates is a bittersweet feeling.

Byard added that he’d begin watching film on an explosive Bronco team this weekend and getting a feel for their formations headed into the next practice.

Western Michigan boasts two receivers who eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark this season, but that’s not fazed players like defensive back Jeremy Cutrer.

Cutrer is making his way back from an ankle injury and said he’s about 75 percent physically but 100 percent mentally.

“I’m going to be more than ready,” Cutrer said. “I’ve missed three games already, so I have to be ready. I was born ready, and that doesn’t really phase me.

“They could have 1,000 yards or -2 yards. Every receiver is going to get the same result.”

Byard was one of the few players who were on the Blue Raiders’ last bowl team in 2013 and said there is a method to remaining focused weeks ahead of the game.

“I think it’s all about knowing when to clock in and knowing when to have fun,” Byard said. “To win this game, it’ll come down to which team is the most focused. It’s all a mental focus for me.”